Carlos Alcaraz returns in good shape at ATP Rome 2025

Carlos Alcaraz had a successful comeback and defeated Serbian Dusan lajovic in 83 mins. In the third round he will play the winner of Michelsen vs Djere.

Alcaraz began his campaign at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on 9 May — the most prestigious clay-court event still missing from his golden record. The Spaniard missed the Mutua Open in Madrid due to an adductor injury. He resumed his clay-court tour at Foro Italico. His enthusiasm ignited an arena that is devoted to tennis and welcomed him as a player who was determined to conquer Rome.

It appears that the physical issues which held him back from Madrid and Barcelona are behind him. That’s at least what his Rome Masters 1000 debut suggested. Carlitos defeated Lajovic in 83 minutes, winning 6-3, 6-1. In the third-round, he will await the winner of the American Alex Michelsen vs. another Serbian Laslo djere match.

The only remnants of his recent injury were the black compression sleeve that was on his leg and a nasal bandage to help him breathe. These minor details seemed to boost the confidence of the player from Murcia — not that he needed any extra help against the Balkan opponent.

Their fifth encounter followed the script of the previous four — in Australia, Rio, Buenos Aires, and Miami — with the Spaniard winning in straight sets. Lajovic, coached by José Perlas, is now 34 years old and ranked 131 in the world, having already enjoyed his peak years. He was ranked in the top 30 for 2019 and now plays in both Challenger tournaments as well as main draw events at elite tournaments, such this one in Italy. Alcaraz’s intentions were clear from the beginning.

In both of Lajovic’s opening service games he broke his serve, giving an exciting preview of what lies ahead. His serve was solid, his forehand had a lot of power, and his shots traveled at a noticeable higher speed than those of his opponent. After nearly three weeks of rest, it was a very impressive and well-ordered return to the court. Yet even the best version of Alcaraz has its dips — and so did this one. He stumbled a little in the eighth set while serving the first, which gave Lajovic an opportunity. Carlitos closed the doors with a quick third break.

Alcaraz first outing in Rome

Alcaraz was composed and never allowed the match to slip from his grasp. With Roland Garros just a fortnight away, his first outing in Rome was little more than a tune-up — one he completed without any major alarms. In the second, he dominated the Serb with three consecutive games. He looked settled, avoided overcomplication, and most of his shots were purposeful — booking his spot in the third round with minimal fuss.

Jannik Sinner will return to action on 10 May after a suspension of three months for doping. Mariano Navone of Argentina will face the world number one. If all goes to plan, he will meet Alejandro Davidovich in the third round — a solid test of form for the local hero.

Alcaraz is the most prominent player on clay courts. The Murcian is entering Roland Garros as the defending champion for the very first time. He will be facing high expectations. He won his first Monte Carlo trophy. In Barcelona, he then made it to his third final. The solid form he has shown so far is something he hopes to continue at this week’s Foro Italico.

Carlos Alcaraz aims to become the fifth player in history to win three ATP Masters 1000 titles. Already victorious in Monte Carlo and Madrid, the Murcian could join the likes of Marcelo Ríos, Gustavo Kuerten, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic in that exclusive club — a feat within reach this week in Rome.

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